The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO) successfully captured the military council’s Maw Poe Kay camp along the Thai-Myanmar border in Karen State after just hours of fighting, according to KNU sources. The offensive began around noon on May 19 and concluded with the complete capture of the camp by around 8 PM the same evening. The operation combined drone strikes with ground forces advancing on the position.
During the assault, the majority of military council troops stationed at the camp reportedly fled, and the resistance forces were able to seize weapons and ammunition. This capture follows the successful taking of the Mae La military camp on May 16, demonstrating the resistance forces’ continued momentum in the region. The fighting caused 241 civilians to flee to the Thai side of the border, prompting Thai military forces to increase security measures along the frontier.
This victory is part of a broader series of successful operations by KNU Brigade 7 forces, who have systematically captured military council positions along the Thai-Myanmar border since March. These include the camps at Pu Lu Tu, Khlay Day, Thaw Bi Khee, Maw Pa Hta, Ta Lay, Mae La, and now Maw Poe Kay. The string of victories has significantly diminished the military council’s presence in the border region.
Currently, only four military council camps remain under their control along the Thai-Myanmar border: Naw Taya, Mae Tha Waw, Maw Ra Lee, and Naw Ta. Nearly all other positions have fallen under KNU control, marking a substantial shift in territorial control in the region. These successful operations have severely weakened the military council’s remaining strength in the area while solidifying the revolutionary forces’ tactical advantages and operational capabilities.
